It's almost like a travel blog

Have you ever been punched in the stomach whilst doing sit-ups?  I now have.  Seemingly to see if I'm getting strong.  Down, up, punch.  Down, up Punch.  Certainly an interesting experience but enough about that!  It's time to continue my look at Nepal!  This week, I'm going to be taking a look at Pokhara: a key attraction for Nepal and the start/end for many treks.

Top 5 things to do in Pokhara, without paragliding. I have no intention of doing something crazy like that

So this week, we will be looking at things to do in Pokhara that I would highly recommend and that may be slightly different than what is in your guide book. Now, these may not be interesting to you and they certainly aren't the only things you can do but these are my recommendations.  So let's start then, shall we?

Have a beer by the lake
Now then, this seems like a pretty obvious one but with one slight difference: I actually mean by the lake. There are a load of bars in the main street that claim to be by the lake but you end up in an enclosed area with maybe a window looking out at the lake. Kind of rubbish really. However, if you head to the outskirts and look about a bit, you will find some bars with tables at the actual lake edge: a much nicer place to enjoy a cooling beer after a long day of trekking or relaxing. It's a much more tranquil experience to be right next to the lake, as opposed to be staring at it from afar.

Walk up to the Peace Pagoda, don't drive

When you're having a beer by the lake, look for somebody sitting near a boat. Chances are, for a small fee, they will be able to take you to the path to the pagoda. Whilst it isn't the easiest walk in the world (but it isn't hard either), what you get is a beautiful and leafy walk up to the pagoda that will give you some great views of the lake and the surrounding area, without having to sit in a car for ages. Plus, when you actually get to the top, it's that much more of an accomplishment.

Take in a museum or two

Now, you don't actually go to Pokhara to stay indoors but perhaps you should as it has two highly interesting museums for you to visit. The first is the smaller but still highly informative Gorkha museum. As you might be able to guess, this small museum details the Gorkhas as well as their involvement in various wars around the world. Don't be put off by the fact it has seen better days: there is still a lot of interesting information here and it is well worth a couple of hours. The second museum is the International Mountaineering Museum, which is significantly larger than the Gorkha museum. Here you get detailed information about mountaineering within Nepal but that's not all. You also get a lot of information on Nepal in general e.g. the various clans, the mountains themselves and much more. Both are well worth an afternoon or two and provides some insight into Nepal that you might not find elsewhere.

Walk down a mountain.
Now, it is well worth heading up to Sarangkot to see the sunrise over the mountain range but it is also worth walking down the mountain as opposed to being driven back down. Basically, when you go see the sunrise, you get driven to near the top (usually around 4am) and walk to the top where you watch the sunrise before driving back to town. However, I would really recommend walking back down as, like entry number 2, you can can get some stunning views of the valley and the lake. Not only this but you can enjoy a morning cup of tea at one of the small cafes that are on the side of mountain which certainly adds to the experience. Finally, it's just a joy to be able to walk through some of the thick forestry that cover the mountain and to see the flora and fauna from close up.

Escape from the bustle of the town
Yes, Pokhara is seen as a town where you go to bars, mingle and generally have a sociable time but sometimes it's nice to get away from it all. That's where Hidden Paradise comes in. Located outside of the town (it's walkable but is longish), up a winding back road finishing with a tiny path through rice paddies (car's can't get through), you really escape from the noise and the excitement of the town. However, this isn't a bad thing. Nestled amongst the trees, with a stunning view of the area, you can enjoy the tranquil environment with a comfortable seat in front of your bedroom. A great way to unwind from a week of partying or after a long trek and really affordable as well.

Pick of the Week

Hokkaido Highway Blues – If you have the slightest interest in Japan or enjoy travelogues, I would highly recommend this book. The author, during a drunken night out, decides to follow the Sakura (cherry blossoms) as they bloom, from one end of Japan to the other. The catch? He has decided to hitch-hike the entire way. What results is a humourous, candid and honest tale that covers his journey whilst revealing what it is really like to live in Japan. A great read that will leave you laughing.

Music of the Week

Time for a classic: Johnny B Good - Chuck Berry.  Put some spring in your step with this tune and enjoy your Sunday!

Time for me to leave but don't worry, I'll be back.  You'll never get rid of me!